How to Apply to Japanese Universities 2026

Japanese universities accept international students through direct application. There is no centralized admissions system like UCAS or Common App. You apply to each university separately, meet its specific requirements, and wait for individual decisions. Most undergraduate programmes require the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students). Graduate programmes focus on research plans and professor contact. The two main intake periods are April (primary) and October (growing). Application windows open 6–10 months before each intake.

This guide walks you through every step: finding programmes, preparing for the EJU, meeting language requirements, assembling documents, and hitting deadlines. We cover both undergraduate and graduate tracks, Japanese-taught and English-taught options. If you are still deciding whether Japan is the right destination, read our guide to studying in Japan first.

Finding the Right Programme

Start your search at JASSO's Gateway to Study in Japan (studyinjapan.go.jp). This portal lists every programme open to international students at all accredited Japanese universities. You can filter by field, language of instruction, degree level, and region.

Japan has three types of higher education institutions:

Institution Type	Count (2026)	Focus	Typical Tuition (Annual)
National universities	86	Research-intensive, broad faculties	¥535,800
Public universities	101	Regional focus, smaller class sizes	¥535,800–¥600,000
Private universities	620+	Specialized programmes, flexible entry	¥800,000–¥1,500,000

National universities like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University charge a standard ¥535,800 per year. Private universities like Waseda and Keio charge ¥1,000,000–¥1,800,000 depending on the faculty. Science and engineering programmes cost more than humanities at private institutions.

English-Taught Programmes

Japan offers over 600 degree programmes taught entirely in English. These fall into two categories:

• G30/SGU programmes — launched under the government's Super Global University initiative at 37 top universities. These include full bachelor's and master's degrees in English.
• JLPT not required — English-taught programmes typically accept IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90 instead of Japanese proficiency.

At Waseda University's School of Political Science and Economics, you complete the entire degree in English. At Tohoku University's Future Global Leadership programme, you study engineering and science without Japanese. These are full degrees, not exchange semesters.

Japanese-Taught Programmes

Most programmes at Japanese universities are taught in Japanese. These require either EJU scores, JLPT certification, or both. The selection is far wider than English-taught options. If you plan to stay in Japan long-term, studying in Japanese gives you stronger career prospects.

The EJU: Your Key Undergraduate Exam

The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is administered by JASSO twice a year: in June and November. It tests your readiness for undergraduate study in Japan. Over 95% of national universities and most private universities require EJU scores for admission.

EJU Structure

Subject	Duration	Max Score	Who Needs It
Japanese as a Foreign Language	125 min	450 points	All applicants to Japanese-taught programmes
Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology — pick 2)	80 min	200 points	STEM applicants
Japan and the World	80 min	200 points	Humanities and social science applicants
Mathematics (Course 1 or Course 2)	80 min	200 points	Most applicants (Course 2 for STEM)

Course 1 mathematics covers high school algebra and geometry. Course 2 adds calculus and linear algebra. STEM applicants take Course 2; humanities applicants take Course 1.

EJU Score Targets

Competitive scores vary by university tier. For the University of Tokyo, aim for 340+ in Japanese and 180+ in each subject. For mid-tier national universities, 280+ in Japanese and 140+ per subject is competitive. Private universities accept lower scores. Waseda's School of Commerce admits students with 260+ in Japanese.

The EJU is offered in 16 countries outside Japan, including India, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and several others. Check JASSO's website for your nearest test centre. Registration costs ¥10,000 (about $67) inside Japan, with fees varying by country abroad.

EJU vs. Individual University Exams

Many universities require their own entrance exams in addition to the EJU. The University of Tokyo requires EJU + a written exam + interview. Kyoto University requires EJU + subject-specific tests. Private universities like Sophia and Ritsumeikan often accept EJU alone. Check each university's requirements carefully.

JLPT Requirements

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) measures your Japanese ability on a scale from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced). For university admission:

• Japanese-taught undergraduate programmes — most require N2 or accept equivalent EJU Japanese scores (typically 220+)
• Japanese-taught graduate programmes — N2 minimum, N1 preferred at top universities
• English-taught programmes — no JLPT required

The JLPT is held twice a year: July and December. Test centres exist in over 90 countries. Results arrive about two months after the test. Plan ahead—if you take the July JLPT, your results arrive in September, just in time for October intake applications but too late for most April intake deadlines.

JLPT vs. EJU Japanese

These are different tests. The EJU Japanese section tests academic listening and reading. The JLPT tests general proficiency across grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening. Some universities accept either. Some require both. At Keio University, the Faculty of Economics accepts EJU Japanese 260+ OR JLPT N1. At the University of Tokyo, you need both strong EJU scores and separate entrance exams.

Application Timeline: April Intake

April is Japan's main academic start. Over 80% of students begin in April. Here is the standard timeline:

When	What to Do
12–18 months before	Research universities and programmes. Register for EJU (June session). Begin Japanese study if needed.
June (year before)	Take the EJU. Take JLPT in July if required.
August–September	Receive EJU results. Begin preparing application materials.
September–November	Submit applications. Most national universities close in October–November. Private universities have varying deadlines.
November	Take EJU again if you want better scores. Take university-specific entrance exams.
December–February	Receive admission decisions. Apply for scholarships (MEXT deadline is usually April of the preceding year). Apply for student visa.
March	Receive Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). Apply for visa at Japanese embassy. Book flights and housing.
April	Arrive in Japan. Attend orientation. Classes begin.

Application Timeline: October Intake

October intake is newer but growing fast, especially for graduate programmes and English-taught degrees. About 20% of international students now start in October. The timeline shifts by six months:

When	What to Do
November (year before)	Take EJU. Finalize programme list.
January–March	Submit applications. Most October intake deadlines fall in February–April.
April–June	Receive decisions. Apply for visa.
July–September	Receive CoE. Process visa. Arrange housing.
October	Arrive and start classes.

Advantage of October intake: fewer applicants means less competition. At Nagoya University's G30 programme, October acceptance rates run about 15% higher than April.

Required Documents: Undergraduate

Every university has its own checklist, but you will need most of these:

• Application form — downloaded from the university's website or submitted online
• High school diploma — official copy with apostille or authentication from your country
• High school transcripts — certified English or Japanese translation
• EJU score report — JASSO sends this directly to universities you designate
• JLPT certificate — if required (original or certified copy)
• English proficiency certificate — IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programmes
• Passport copy — photo page
• Photographs — typically 4×3 cm, taken within last 3 months
• Statement of purpose — 500–1,000 words explaining why you chose this university and field
• Financial proof — bank statement showing funds to cover first year (about ¥2,000,000)

Application fees range from ¥10,000 to ¥35,000 per university. National universities charge ¥17,000. Private universities charge ¥25,000–¥35,000. Budget for 3–5 applications.

Required Documents: Graduate

Graduate applications in Japan differ significantly from Western countries. The most important step happens before you even submit paperwork: contacting a potential supervisor.

Step 1: Find and Contact a Professor

In Japanese graduate schools, your supervising professor (指導教員, shidou kyouin) must agree to accept you before the department considers your application. Search faculty pages for professors whose research matches yours. Email them directly with:

• Your CV and academic background
• A brief summary of your research interests (1 paragraph)
• Why their work specifically connects to your goals
• Your timeline for applying

Send this email 6–12 months before application deadlines. Be specific. Do not send generic messages to 20 professors. Read their recent publications and reference them. A professor at Kyoto University receives dozens of inquiry emails each month. Yours needs to stand out through specificity.

Step 2: Prepare Your Research Plan

The research plan (研究計画書, kenkyuu keikakusho) is the single most important document in your graduate application. It runs 2,000–4,000 words and covers:

• Research question and its significance
• Literature review showing gaps your research will fill
• Methodology and timeline
• Expected outcomes and contribution to the field
• Why this specific university and professor

Ask your potential supervisor for feedback on your draft before submitting. Many professors will help you refine it.

Step 3: Submit Application Documents

Graduate applications require:

• Research plan — 2,000–4,000 words
• Bachelor's degree certificate — with official translation
• University transcripts — all years
• Two recommendation letters — from academic supervisors
• JLPT N1 or N2 certificate — for Japanese-taught programmes
• English proficiency — IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programmes
• Published papers — if any (especially for doctoral applicants)
• Passport copy and photographs

Research Students (Kenkyusei)

Many international graduate students first enter as research students (研究生, kenkyusei). This is a non-degree status lasting 6–12 months. You attend seminars, conduct preliminary research, and prepare for the formal entrance exam. Annual fees are about ¥350,000. After passing the entrance exam, you transfer to the regular master's or doctoral programme. About 40% of international graduate students at national universities follow this path.

MEXT Scholarship Application

The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship is Japan's premier government scholarship. It covers tuition, living expenses (¥143,000–¥148,000/month), and round-trip airfare. Two application routes exist:

• Embassy recommendation — apply through the Japanese embassy in your home country. Deadline: usually April. Process: written exam + interview at embassy, then university placement.
• University recommendation — your chosen Japanese university nominates you. Contact the university's international office directly. Deadline varies by university, typically November–January.

Embassy-recommended MEXT accepts about 6,000–7,000 students per year globally. Success rates vary by country. The written exams test Japanese, English, and subject knowledge. For detailed scholarship options, see our guide to scholarships for studying in Japan.

Online vs. Paper Applications

Japanese universities are transitioning to online applications, but many still require paper documents sent by post. The split in 2026:

• Fully online — Waseda, Sophia, Ritsumeikan APU, Kyushu University (selected programmes)
• Online + paper supplements — University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University (submit online, mail originals)
• Paper only — some smaller national and public universities

Always check the specific programme's application instructions. International mail to Japan takes 7–14 days via EMS. Use tracked shipping. Many students have been rejected because documents arrived after the deadline.

After Admission: Visa and Arrival

Once admitted, your university applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) with immigration. This takes 4–8 weeks. The university mails the CoE to you. Take it to your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for a Student visa (留学, ryuugaku). The visa costs vary by country but is often free or under $30. Processing takes 5–10 business days.

For the full visa process and requirements, read our Japan student visa guide.

Common Application Mistakes

Avoid these errors that trip up applicants every year:

• Missing the postal deadline — Japanese universities mean "received by" not "postmarked by." Send documents 2–3 weeks early.
• Wrong photo size — Japan uses 4×3 cm photos, not the 3.5×4.5 cm standard in Europe. Get them right.
• Generic research plans — for graduate school, a vague plan gets rejected. Be specific about methodology and your supervisor's research connection.
• Ignoring the professor contact step — for graduate programmes, applying without a professor's informal agreement wastes time and money.
• Only applying to one university — apply to 3–5 programmes across different tiers. The University of Tokyo's acceptance rate for international undergrads is about 20%. Spread your risk.

Application Costs Breakdown

Budget for the full application process:

Item	Cost
EJU registration	¥10,000 (~$67)
JLPT registration	¥7,500 (~$50) in Japan, varies abroad
IELTS or TOEFL	$250–$310
Application fees (3–5 universities)	¥51,000–¥175,000 ($340–$1,170)
Document translation & notarization	$100–$300
International mail (EMS, 3–5 times)	$60–$150
Total estimate	$870–$2,050

Start saving for these costs 12+ months before your application cycle. Some embassies waive or reduce EJU fees for students from developing countries.

Tips for a Strong Application

For Undergraduates

• Take the EJU twice — universities accept your highest score. Take it in June and November.
• Prepare for university-specific exams — buy past exam papers (過去問, kakomon) from the university bookstore or online. Kinokuniya and Amazon Japan stock them.
• Write your statement of purpose in Japanese if your level allows. It shows commitment and impresses admissions committees.
• Attend university open days online — most top universities now stream their open campus events internationally.

For Graduate Students

• Start contacting professors 12 months early — the relationship matters more than any test score.
• Consider the kenkyusei path — if your Japanese is intermediate, spending 6 months as a research student helps you prepare for entrance exams in Japanese.
• Apply for MEXT through both routes — embassy recommendation and university recommendation are separate tracks. You can pursue both simultaneously.
• Prepare for oral exams in Japanese — even English-taught programmes often include a Japanese interview component for graduate admissions.

University-Specific Application Examples

Requirements vary significantly between institutions. Here are concrete examples from four popular choices for international students:

University of Tokyo (PEAK Programme)

The Programs in English at Komaba (PEAK) accept about 30 students per year. Application deadline: November. Requirements: SAT or ACT scores (SAT 1400+ competitive), TOEFL iBT 100+ or IELTS 7.0+, high school transcript, two recommendation letters, personal statement, and interview. No EJU required for PEAK. This is the most selective English-taught programme in Japan.

Waseda University (SILS)

The School of International Liberal Studies admits about 100 international students annually. Two application rounds: September and January. Requirements: high school diploma, TOEFL iBT 85+ or IELTS 6.5+, personal statement, one recommendation letter. Waseda also accepts the EJU, SAT, IB, or A-Level results. Application fee: ¥30,000. Tuition: about ¥1,390,000/year.

Kyoto University (Graduate School of Science)

For graduate applicants: contact a professor first. The faculty reviews research plans before issuing application materials. Entrance exams include a written test in your specialty plus an oral exam. JLPT N2 recommended for Japanese-taught programmes. The Graduate School of Science offers limited positions in English-taught research tracks. Application fee: ¥30,000.

Ritsumeikan APU

Asia Pacific University in Beppu, Oita Prefecture admits 50% international students. APU does not require the EJU. Instead, it accepts IB scores (28+ competitive), A-Levels (BBB+), SAT (1200+), or high school GPA. No Japanese required for the English-basis track. Tuition: about ¥1,443,000/year, but APU offers a 30–65% tuition reduction scholarship to most admitted international students. Application fee: ¥10,000.

Language School as a Stepping Stone

Many international students spend 1–2 years at a Japanese language school before applying to universities. This path offers several advantages. You take the EJU domestically in Japan, avoiding the limited overseas test centre issue. You build Japanese proficiency to N2 level, opening up Japanese-taught programmes with wider selection and lower tuition. You acclimate to life in Japan before starting your degree.

Language school tuition runs ¥700,000–¥1,000,000 per year. You can work 28 hours per week to offset costs. About 35% of international undergraduate students at national universities came through language schools first. This is a well-established pathway, not a detour. Read our guide on learning Japanese for detailed strategies.

Key Deadlines at a Glance (2026–2027)

Deadline	What
February 2026	EJU registration for June session opens
April 2026	MEXT embassy recommendation deadline (most countries)
June 2026	EJU exam
July 2026	JLPT (first session)
August 2026	EJU results released
September–November 2026	April 2027 intake applications due
November 2026	EJU second session
December 2026	JLPT (second session)
January–March 2027	October 2027 intake applications due

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to Japanese universities without knowing Japanese?

Yes. Over 600 degree programmes are taught entirely in English under the SGU (Super Global University) initiative. These programmes accept IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90. You do not need EJU or JLPT scores for English-taught programmes. Universities like Waseda, Sophia, Ritsumeikan APU, and Kyushu University offer full bachelor's and master's degrees in English.

How many universities should I apply to?

Apply to 3–5 universities across different selectivity tiers. At top national universities, international undergraduate acceptance rates range from 15–30%. At mid-tier national and upper-tier private universities, rates reach 40–60%. Applying to only one university is risky. Each additional application costs ¥17,000–¥35,000.

Is the EJU required for all universities?

No. English-taught programmes and some private universities do not require EJU scores. Universities like Ritsumeikan APU accept SAT, IB, or A-Level results instead. National universities almost always require the EJU for undergraduate admission. Check each programme individually.

What EJU score do I need for the University of Tokyo?

Competitive applicants score 340+ out of 450 on the Japanese section and 180+ out of 200 on each subject section. The University of Tokyo also requires its own written entrance exam. Total scores combining EJU and the university exam determine admission. Scoring well on one alone is not enough.

Can I apply for the April and October intakes simultaneously?

Not at the same university for the same programme. But you can apply to different universities for different intakes. If you miss the April cycle at your top choice, apply for October at other universities and try your top choice again the next April.

How long does the Certificate of Eligibility take?

The CoE takes 4–8 weeks to process. Immigration issues it after your university submits the application. During peak periods (January–March for April intake), processing times stretch to 8 weeks. Once you have the CoE, the student visa takes 5–10 business days at your local Japanese embassy.

Do I need a research plan for undergraduate applications?

No. Research plans are for graduate applicants only. Undergraduate applicants write a statement of purpose (500–1,000 words) explaining their motivation and academic interests. This is less formal than a research plan.

What if my country does not have an EJU test centre?

The EJU is offered in 16 countries outside Japan. If yours is not among them, you have three options: travel to the nearest country with a test centre, apply to universities that do not require EJU scores (English-taught programmes, some private universities), or arrive in Japan first as a language school student and take the EJU domestically. Many international students choose the language school route for this reason.

Can I change universities after arriving in Japan?

You can transfer, but the process is complex. You must apply to the new university from scratch, get accepted, and update your student visa status. Most transfers happen after completing a language school or kenkyusei period. Transferring mid-degree between universities is rare and discouraged.